Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2014 05 19

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes April 21, 2014 Page 2 of 11 Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None heard. Pre filing Conference – None PUBLIC HEARING – 816 Main Street, Empire Lounge, Sign Demolition Robinson presented the information provided in staff’s report. He gave a background of the signs history, believes the sign is eligible for landmarking and recommended the maximum stay of 180 days be placed on the demolition permit. He added staff has been working with the applicant to figure out options in alternative to demolition. Stewart asked if the property owner is aware of the application. Robinson stated code requires the City to send a certified letter to the owner notifying them of the demolition application and the certification card has been returned so we know the letter has been received. La Grave asked if the City has had any conversations with the property owner since the end of February. Robinson stated staff did speak with the owner in February but has not had any direct communication since. Stewart asked if staff could come up with the criteria required for the 180 day stay. Robinson stated he would. Fahey asked if there was any indication from the owner as to which directions he would like to go. Robinson stated there has not been any indication. Applicant Presentation Jim Cohen, operator of the Empire Restaurant, presented. He stated the sign requires significant upkeep and money to keep it going. He stated Aaron DeJong, Economic Development Director, had spoken with the owner and she did not appear interested in keeping the sign. He added the sign is a $16,000 project to keep it going. Watson asked if the 180 day stay would put a bind in his business. Cohen stated no but also stated he has had a half lit sign for long enough for 6 more months wouldn’t be too difficult. He has looked into restoration options and said it would take about $16,000 to restore the sign with a new neon option.